Financial Advisors

Networks and Compliance Specialists provide their clients with large range of support products and services. SmartSearch partners with some of the largest Networks to provide their Members with fully integrated cost effective AML, Sanctions & PEP solutions, helping Firms to comply with the latest Money Laundering Regulations.

The Financial Community provide a wide range of services and products to their clients, and as a consequence many have a complex array of policies and procedures to deal with, plus a range of differing products and clients who have diverse interests and circumstances. Those could be Individual or Business clients and the financial and reputational risks of getting compliance processes wrong can be substantial and have serious consequences. Some of the effects of this has been seen in recent years by a number of high profile Financial Institutions being fined “eye watering” sums by either Industry Regulators or Governments.

Whether you are part of a large Network or an Independent Firm, we can provide you with the very best AML, Sanctions & PEP compliance solution.

Networks provide their clients with a large range of support products and services and a compliance framework to operate in. SmartSearch partners with a number of the largest Networks to provide their members with cost effective, compliant AML, Sanction & PEP solutions.

Financial Advisors generally have fewer resources to apply to compliance matters than larger groups and networks. It is therefore important to identify an AML, Sanction & PEP solution that is, efficient, cost effective and fully compliant.

We have been a very happy customer of SmartSearch for 4 years now and compared to how we used to do AML checks this is so much more efficient! No more requesting documents from advisors or clients, instead we just log on, input a few fields and the AML check is complete with an easy to store PDF document. There’s also a handy search functionality should you want to view a AML check that has already been carried out.

Once you are logged in, SmartSearch’s dashboard has everything you need without having to navigate around different parts of the website. It’s all there, in one place, making its usability very easy indeed.

On the Due Diligence Dashboard it’s clear to see any outstanding alerts that require attention and any high risk clients you may have. With their ongoing monitoring, you are advised daily of any PEP/Sanction alerts which are easy to update as a false positive.

We took advantage of SmartSearch’s AML retro upload not long after we joined which allowed us to upload all our legacy clients so that our entire client list is now being monitored for PEP/Sanction alerts.

We have regular catch ups with Lyndsey our Account Manager who reviews our usage to ensure we’re not paying for credit we don’t need. Lyndsey is keen to hear feedback from our users which is always positive. During our catch ups we also discuss upcoming developments and we’re particularly excited out the new mobile phone app. Lyndsey is very friendly, professional, helpful and very responsive to any questions I have.

I would have no hesitation in recommending SmartSearch.

”

ATSIPP

“

We had been using a competitor’s AML service that was considerably more expensive and less detailed. Having viewed SmartSearch’s website, we enquired on the service and was provided with a very helpful, informative and effective service that was suitable for our developing business. At Church House, we are continually looking to improve operations processes and systems to help move towards a more flexible client take-on-process.

SmartSearch provided a solution that took away the administrative and timely burden of requiring potential clients to provide documentary evidence. Not only did it provide easy identity verification for individuals, but also through breakdown of all the necessary evidence for identifying companies such as annual reports, certificate of incorporation and the AML of all influential stakeholders and directors. This far outshone the level of service we had previously received from the competitor.

Tom Batterham, our Relationship Manager, was very helpful with the set-up and implementation of the system, and has been available throughout the year for any assistance. The service has been excellent, easy-to-use and very effective. And PEPs are clearly identified and managed and we have the comfort of knowing that the sanctions list is continually updated via a number of sources to give us the satisfaction that our AML obligations are being met.

The fact is that this level of service comes at a fraction of the cost we had spend on more clunky and less effective systems provided by competitor was a refreshing change, especially with the included customer service that SmartSearch provides.

SmartSearch has significantly improved our client screening and reduced our money laundering risk and we wholly recommend them to any business who needs to address their anti-money laundering process.

”

Church House Investment Management

“

The service provided by Tom and yourself at SmartSearch has been really excellent, from our initial enquiries to actual implements of the system, you have been helpful and informative throughout. The level of service is a great improvement on what we have experienced with our previous provider and the transition has been very smooth.

The SmartSearch system is easily accessible and very user friendly and we are delighted with the reliable and effective results it produces. None of our users have had any issues as the training provided was fully comprehensive. Customer Service is excellent and any queries are met with a very quick and knowledgeable response.

The SmartSearch system now forms a valuable part of our AML process and we would not hesitate to recommend SmartSearch to anybody who wants to improve their AML compliance procedures.

”

Thorntons Investments

“

I have used a number of systems in the past and have found SmartSearch to be one of the more user friendly. The training provided was concise and to the point but fully covered the information required to obtain searches quickly and easily.

The SmartSearch team are very friendly and check regularly to ensure that there are no problems being encountered. They are also available whenever needed and can usually solve any queries in a prompt and efficient manner.

”

Accendo Wealth Management

“

We engaged with SmartSearch UK due to the additional functionality it offered over other competitors in the market, and I have not been disappointed.

I had two priorities, one was the ease of use and the other was the daily re-checking of databases such as the HMT Sanctions listing. Both of these have easily been met.

The other key advantage for me is the email notification of potential matched to PEPs & sanction listings and the new dashboard facility, both of which help me demonstrate our compliance to AML regulations.

The other recent additions to the system, such as the use of Experian & Equifax, and the user interface have only helped improve the service.

The regular reviews with SmartSearch UK and having a dedicated Account Executive is the icing on the cake.

”

SPF Private Clients

“

Here at Kubera Wealth, we have been delighted with SmartSearch, which is both user friendly and a very reliable service which, enables us to ensure we have followed all of the industry requirements around identifying and verifying our Clients sufficiently.

The enhancements made to the platform recently, have improved our rating of the service provided with the ongoing monitoring providing extra peace of mind. The reliability of the service is enhanced by our Account Executive, Lyndsey Beauchamp, who is in regular contact and keeps us abreast of all the developments, and advises us how we could make more use of our membership, including updates on usage levels.

As mentioned before, thank you, for the service provided and the peace of mind this service gives us. I have, and will continue to recommend Smartsearch against any other providers in the market.

”

Kubera Wealth

“

Before SmartSearch we had various different suppliers for Sanction checks, Business checks and Individual checks, so having one port of call that we can rely on has been extremely beneficial for administration staff and our compliance processes. A high level of service has also been consistently delivered throughout the process, from Sales to Account Management.

”

Greystone Financial Services

Before SmartSearch we had various different suppliers for Sanction checks, Business checks and Individual checks, so having one port of call that we can rely on has been extremely beneficial for administration staff and our compliance processes. A high level of service has also been consistently delivered throughout the process, from Sales to Account Management.

One of the aspects that attracted us most to SmartSearch was the Enhanced PEP and Sanction Screening Service. Previously we had to manually download our database on a monthly basis for screening against the HMT file. Now with SmartSearch all of our searches are monitored daily for both PEP and Sanction matches and we have the reassurance that we will be notified of any changing or new records, reducing the need to manually upload a file.

The implementation of SmartSearch went smoothly and training for the users was to a good standard. Since then we have found the platform to be user friendly and could count on one hand the number of times we have needed to call with any queries. Additionally we have an Account Manager that we can refer to when assistance is required, and any problems are quickly resolved.

SmartSearch has proved to be a comprehensive tool which has eliminated the need to have multiple suppliers, hence saving us time and making the process more cost effective and streamlined.

Greystone Financial Services

“

As a system, SmartSearch is extremely user-friendly - running a test is quick to learn and easy to use, and the report that are produced are clear and concise. The training that was given when we initially adopted the system was of a high standard, and allowed us to quickly understand the benefits of using electronic verification.

”

Roundhouse Financial Services

As a system, SmartSearch is extremely user-friendly - running a test is quick to learn and easy to use, and the report that are produced are clear and concise. The training that was given when we initially adopted the system was of a high standard, and allowed us to quickly understand the benefits of using electronic verification.

Have used the system for a number of years now, we have a greatly appreciated the help that SmartSearch have provided in adopting the reports into our own internal processes. Queries that have occasionally risen are always answered quickly and informatively by Lyndsey and the team.

One of the biggest advantages of the system is its ongoing monitoring of the worldwide PEP and Sanctions lists. Potential red flags are now picked up on an ongoing basis. The importance in having confidence in such a system cannot be overstated – and we now have full confidence in ours.

We have originally ‘shopped around’ the various electronic verification provided, and think that SmartSearch are one of the leaders in the field, and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone currently reconsidering their AML processes.

Roundhouse Financial Services

“

Since we originally contacted SmartSearch regarding their AML platform, they have been nothing but informative and helpful; from our initial enquiry and organising a useful trial period on the system, right up to the current on-going support from our dedicated Account Manager. The level of service has been well above what we have experienced previously.

”

Rathbones

Since we originally contacted SmartSearch regarding their AML platform, they have been nothing but informative and helpful; from our initial enquiry and organising a useful trial period on the system, right up to the current on-going support from our dedicated Account Manager. The level of service has been well above what we have experienced previously.

We find the fact that the system is an 'all in one' solution means that we do not have to subscribe to multiple platforms making our own internal processes and procedures a lot more streamlined; ultimately saving us time and money.

We had a large number of 'retrospective' clients that we needed to check as quickly and efficiently as possible; SmarSearch agreed to upload these so that we could check them against relevant PEP / Sanction lists, as well as running a full AML check - the fact we could send this over in spreadsheet format meant there was a minimal input from our end, again saving us a lot of time and effort.

Having seen and experienced the benefits of SmartSearch, we would not hesitate to recommend SmartSearch to anybody who is wanting to enhance and improve their AML compliance procedures.

Rathbones

“

Before SmartSearch we had no effective PEP and Sanction checks in place. Our previous provider just listed “fails” and then we had to manually find out the information by relying google searches. As the firms MLRO, I was not confident at all in this approach. I am 100% more confident in SmartSearch, not only because it provides additional information on any “fails” (such as DOB, residency, images etc) but also because the email alerts I receive every time we have a “hit” help me with my MLRO duties and enable me to ensure that the correct due diligence is taking place. In addition, this provides a visible audit trail to evidence we have fulfilled our AML requirements.

”

Helm Godfrey

Before SmartSearch we had no effective PEP and Sanction checks in place. Our previous provider just listed “fails” and then we had to manually find out the information by relying google searches. As the firms MLRO, I was not confident at all in this approach. I am 100% more confident in SmartSearch, not only because it provides additional information on any “fails” (such as DOB, residency, images etc) but also because the email alerts I receive every time we have a “hit” help me with my MLRO duties and enable me to ensure that the correct due diligence is taking place. In addition, this provides a visible audit trail to evidence we have fulfilled our AML requirements.

For our corporate clients the system is much easier to use than downloading multiple Companies House documents, as SmartSearch provide all the relevant corporate data needed for AML purposes within a single search. This is much more convenient for both the users and myself, as the simple format ensures we can easily view key information such as directors and beneficial owners. The regular updates also inform me if a company has entered administration, or of there is a change of directorship which again is great feature and enables me to manage risk and keep control of compliance matters.

Not only is SmartSearch a fantastic system, the continued support we have received from the team has been excellent throughout. From the comprehensive training sessions, to the follow up calls we receive, I have no complaints whatsoever. I have every confidence in my Account Manager Katie, but just as importantly the quality of her service, and knowledge she has, also gives users confidence in SmartSearch. My colleagues have frequently mentioned how helpful she has been and she is always on hand to answer any queries that arise. The assistance we have received has been invaluable and as such, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend SmartSearch.

Helm Godfrey

“

Just an excellent process from initial contact, explanation to on boarding and answering queries. For a new, small, customer, we felt as well treated as a larger, economically more significant, customer would. Jon, our first contact point is a star!

”

UK Leading Registrar

“

Keeley Ormston has been extremely helpful. Our queries have been answered almost immediately. We feel that we have somebody who genuinely acts as an account manager. (Many companies say they offer this service but the reality is very different). System is easy to use

”

UK Leading Investment Management

“

Maitland Institutional Services Limited implemented SmartSearch in Q4 2015. Since the change, throughout the whole process we have received guidance from our Account Manager Lyndsey Beauchamp who has been undeniably supportive.

”

Maitland Institutional Services

Maitland Institutional Services Limited implemented SmartSearch in Q4 2015. Since the change, throughout the whole process we have received guidance from our Account Manager Lyndsey Beauchamp who has been undeniably supportive.

The initial training received was extremely informative and due to the system being incredibly user friendly this enabled employees to use it immediately, however any questions are promptly answered by Lyndsey who is always contactable via email or telephone.

When employees in other jurisdictions were subsequently required to use SmartSearch the skills were easily transferrable.

There are many different functions SmartSearch provide from individual checks to company checks all including different levels of verification therefore depending on what is required so you can tailor each search.

Once the search has been completed there is ongoing monitoring which is enormously useful as an email is received in the occurrence of a change within the report that you can then retrieve in the system.

We have relied on SmartSearch a lot more than anticipated and as a result of this SmartSearch have been happy to amend our original contract to accommodate this with no issues.

The assistance we have received from our Account Manager has been invaluable and the system itself ensures the user can complete checks with a high level of confidence, I would recommend SmartSearch without hesitation.

Maitland Institutional Services

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Our Sectors

Legal Firms

Accountancy Practices

Property & Estate Agents

Banking & Financial

Insurance

Stockbroker & MSB

Our Sectors

Much of the Professional Regulated Sector have realised the benefits of operating SmartSearch giving them a single platform for all of their Individual and Business AML, Sanction & PEP compliance requirements. The ability to retain all of their AML verification data and outcomes in a real-time environment where information can be retrieved on demand to satisfy any internal audits or regulatory visits.

Much of the Professional Regulated Sector have realised the benefits of operating SmartSearch giving them a single platform for all of their Individual and Business AML, Sanction & PEP compliance requirements. The ability to retain your AML verification data and outcomes in a real-time environment where information can be retrieved on demand to satisfy any internal audits or regulatory visits; this is just one of the features that saves our clients time and cost and gives them peace of mind to concentrate on their own business matters.

When the Regulator changed from OFT to HMRC this increased the focus on AML, Sanction & PEP compliance. As a consequence an ever increasing number of firms have upgraded their compliance regimes to incorporate electronic verification, demonstrating their compliance with regulations in a much more efficient and cost effective manner significantly reducing their operational risk.

Banks, Building Societies & Financial Communities are steadily catching up with the Professional Regulated Sectors with an increasing number of Financial Organisations switching to SmartSearch for their AML, Sanction & PEP compliance. These Communities are not renowned for being early adopters as they typically have long standing legacy IT systems that usually take several years to implement change.

The offence under Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) relates to any activity involving criminal or terrorist property. This is a much broader definition than the commonly understood definition of money laundering. A business can commit an offence under POCA by unwittingly facilitating an act of fraud.

In the instant decisioning world of global stock markets “time is of the essence” therefore using traditional documents is a totally ineffective means of complying with AML regulations. Likewise checking against other mandatory data sources such as Sanctions & PEPs on a regular basis is not commercially practical unless this is fully automated.